In 2018, I garnered a strong interest in C-stores or convenient stores. I think the interest first started when I attended a 7-11 presentation to learn more about the franchise opportunity. 7-11 is (I think) the most widely recognized convenient store in the USA and I knew that if I got involved with 7-11, I would learn a lot.
I don't have any management or franchise experience but the opportunity looked attractive. My father got involved in the process and was approved to open a store so that I can learn and manage the store. 7-11 is a good starting place to learn about C-stores and the CPG industry but my goal is to move out so right now, that project is still pending.
I started to look at competitors of 7-11 so in the event that I would have the opportunity to manage a 7-11 store (which I don't want), I would know what to do correctly by looking at successful companies in the industry. I also visited some other c-stores such as Speedway, Sheetz, and RaceTrak; I have a lot to yet visit but there are two in particular that stood out to me and after visiting, I can see why they're so successful.
I went to Buc-ee's in Dallas last Winter and it was so much fun. When I did my research on Bucc-ee's, I read that it's a large store with more than snacks and beverages. They have household goods and souvenirs for everyone. The atmosphere is fun and it's a destination in itself. The place and products are so unique that it makes people talk about it so people can visit. It also helps for the locations to be centralized in Texas.
Wawa. Who invented that name? Whoever it was, they're a genius since the name is so catchy. Turns out, Wawa is a place in PA, which is where Wawa is from. I read a lot about Wawa and was very excited to try their foods because apparently their hoagies are good. I didn't try a hoagie but I had soup and an iced coffee. I appreciate the variety and depth of their menu; their customer service was also surprisingly refreshing. Wawa positions itself as a premier convenient store that offers more than snacks. Wawa always stays relevant with the LTO and food specials so Wawa is a leader and one that other c-stores should look up to.
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